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What Does a Balanced Raw Diet Look Like?

Author: ProDog Raw

What Does a Balanced Raw Diet Look Like?

Where dog nutrition is concerned a raw diet or BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is the food that nature intended for dogs. So, what does the term BARF mean and how can you ensure that your dog is getting the right balanced raw dog food diet? If you’re new to raw feeding then do also check out our raw dog food for beginners raw feeding guide and explore our full grain free dog food range.

What Does BARF Mean?

Adopted correctly, a BARF diet can increase the health, life expectancy and reproductive capacity. As a result, this can mean fewer visits to the vet. The term biologically appropriate means that the food that is ingested is easily digested and is absorbed by the body rather than being passed through the system as waste. The dog will use the many nutrients to stay strong and healthy.

Unfortunately, many non-raw dog foods are highly processed and full of additives and fillers and/or carbohydrates which have a low biological value and are passed through the body as waste.

Because a raw diet consists of minimal carbohydrates and absolutely no processed ingredients whatsoever, the biological value of the food is significantly higher meaning that the dog absorbs virtually every bit of goodness from what they ingest. One of the first things that new raw feeders will notice, once their dog has adapted to a raw diet, is a vast reduction in bowel movements and a smaller, firmer stool. Of course, this is to be expected; when you have less rubbish going in, you will have less rubbish coming out! This is just one benefit of feeding a balanced raw diet though. Other valuable pluses include:

  • Increased vitality and improved energy levels, especially in older dogs
  • Promotes a healthier immune system
  • Shiny, glossy coat and healthy skin
  • Cleaner teeth and less odorous breath
  • More efficient digestions for dogs with sensitive stomachs
  • Smaller stools and less flatulence
  • A balanced raw diet can aid with anal gland issues
  • Stable temperament
  • Less allergies and food intolerances

Raw meat, offal, bone and some green nutrients are the key components of a balanced raw diet. Each one offers different yet vital nutritional benefits, plus the all-natural, un-processed ingredients mean that canines are able to absorb and utilise almost all of the goodness they consume.

Meat

Muscle meat is the core component of a raw diet and is an important source of protein. It also provides hormones, enzymes and energy and can help to keep a dog’s immune system strong. While meat like pork is not recommended, there are several human grade meat options available:

Bone

“Give a dog a bone”, we’ve all heard the expression by why do dogs need bones? It’s not just so that they have something to chew on and keep themselves occupied. There are also canine dietary and nutritional requirements which make it a critical element of a raw diet. The calcium and phosphorous is necessary, especially in larger breeds, for healthy bone and joint development. Bone also promotes a nice firm stool too which in turn naturally assists the dog’s anal glands excretion.

Contrary to the popular myth, bone is not a choking hazard unless it is cooked. Once cooked it becomes brittle and can splinter. The bone in ProDog Raw is ground down very fine so that it is easy to chew and digest, providing the raw dog food with valuable nutrients yet being safe even for puppies (so we also include it in our raw puppy food).

Offal

Offal is the term used to describe the internal organs of an animal such as the liver, kidneys, stomach and intestines. In the wild none of the animal would go to waste and offal is a great source of nutrients. It is important however not to feed too much to your dog as sources like liver can contain very high concentrated levels of some vitamins and minerals.

Vegetables

When it comes to including vegetables in a raw diet, opinion is divided between owners. While some prefer to give their dog a balance of meat and some vegetation, there are those who prefer to feed a meat only option. It’s not just owners that have an opinion on this – your dog will have a preference as well. Let’s take a look at some of the vegetables that are recommended as part of a balanced raw diet and the benefits that they offer:

  • Carrots – An excellent source of carotenoids, fibre and vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin K, carrots are also a good source of potassium, magnesium, most of the B vitamins and phosphorous
  • Broccoli – Offers an excellent source of dietary fibre and calcium
  • Kale – This supercharged leafy vegetable contains a good source of vitamins including A, C and E and calcium

Tasty treats

While meat, offal, bone and vegetation form the staples of a balanced raw diet, there are many tasty natural treats that you can also give your dog. While the supermarket or dog food brands often pack theirs full of additives, sugars and processed ingredients, natural rehydrated treats offer a healthy alternative. Lamb shoulder strips, duck necks, feet and wings, calf hooves and rabbit ears are all examples of treats that are packed full of nutrients. Keep them in your pocket as high worth training treats.

Fruit is another form of healthy reward and there are many that you can offer your dog as titbits:

  • Blueberries – this antioxidant rich superfood is not only good for humans but also dogs, offering a great source of fibre and phytochemicals
  • Pineapple – in small amounts they make the perfect tasty treats. Rich in vitamin c, pineapple also contains vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and folate.
  • Strawberries – full of antioxidants, high in fibre and rich in vitamin C

Supplements

BARF endorse the use of additional dog supplements to a raw diet which ensure that your dog’s nutritional requirements and well-being are fully supported. You can find out more about ProDog nutritional supplements and the benefits that they offer here.

If you are considering switching to a balanced raw diet and want to find out more, we would be happy to answer your questions. Simply contact us for more information or check out our extensive range of meat/veg complete meals or meat only meals.

 

26 comments

Sue

What supplements would you add to raw diet, to balance it?

Anne Jackman

Is it necessary to give your dogs supplement on a raw food diet, if so which would you recommend

Sally

Please can you tell me what size your frozen packs come ? I own two parson terriers , who are well use to a raw diet , its not clear on the website. Also can one select the recipes in a bundle as the6 dont do well on raw fish !!
Regards
Sally
,
.

PRODOG RAW - Mike

you can build your own parcel with whichever raw meals you wish, mix and match , Our tub sizes are either 500g or 1kg max parcel per shipping is 25kg

Mr Phil Critchley

I have been feeding my 2 little dogs raw for approx a year now one is 19months and the other is 5 and a half. Neither will take a raw carrot or any other fruit and or veg as a treat my dog walking friends say there dogs love it. Is there something at all I can do about this to change there view??

ProDog

Hi there

So, if they are on ProDog Raw Complete, they will be getting enough veggies in their diet. If it’s just a matter of you wanting to introduce them to new treats, try chopping them up small and adding them to their food instead. This may introduce them to the new smell and taste gradually to a point where they will take them as treats.

Have a read of this blog about ‘balance over time’, this should address any concerns you have.

https://www.prodograw.com/the-importance-of-a-balanced-and-varied-raw-for-dogs/

Kind Regards
Team ProDog

Violet Steer

I buy complete meals for my six month Boston terrier, can I add to them .? Maybe kefir, fish oil, wings, bone juice

ProDog

Hi Violet

The complete meals do contain everything they need however, it never hurts to give them variety and additional nutrients. Have a read of this blog which will give you some ideas of additions you can make and why. https://www.prodograw.com/ingredients-to-supercharge-your-dogs-raw-food-diet/

Susan Summers

How do I store this , in a fridge or a freezer ? How often is delivery and do I have to buy in bulk . My 18 month German shepherd is extremely fussy and is currently on Tails but doesn’t seem to like it anymore He is on kibble and wet food

ProDog

Hi there

So the food comes frozen – pop it in the freezer then defrost and serve as required.

You can set up a subscription to come weekly, bi-weekly, monthly etc. By doing this you also save 5%. There is a minimum order of 6kg for main areas of the UK. We also sell a sample pack which is on offer currently for £14.99 which includes 5kg plus 2 packets of treats and delivery. So, you can try it with confidence before you buy a bigger order.

Kind Regards
Team ProDog

Ana Semedo

Hi there,
I have a new puppy 2 months old, (cockapoo) and 3kg at moment, I would like to know how much of your food can I give her per meal and how many times a day?
Is your food suitable for all ages?
Thank you

ProDog

Hi there

Please see our handy raw food calculator which will tell you exactly how much you need to feed your puppy now and as she grows. We have a puppy range which is suitable from 8 weeks – 6 months and then an adult range which is suitable from 6 months. https://www.prodograw.com/raw-dog-food-calculator/

Kind Regards
Team ProDog

hellokitty80_1

Why is Old English Sheepdog not on the list? I have tried to search it to register or to have a guideline and that breed is not on you list.

ProDog

Hi there

Yes, it appears to be missing from the list. We are getting that added for you.

Kind Regards
Team ProDog

David Morgan

What about freeze dried vegetables?

ProDog

Hi there – raw is best but freeze dried is fine

Kind Regards
Team ProDog

Cathrine Minns

I have 4 years sprocker bitch she suffers with delicate stomach would like to have dry food chicken veg rice also I’m asking for advice for when she is ready to have her puppies and getting pregnant and how much will it cost

ProDog

Hi there

The best diet for sensitive dogs is indeed a raw diet. We have an extensive number of options to try in our range. Please do take a look https://www.prodograw.com/shop/raw-dog-food/

Kind Regards
Team ProDog

Taianne

I’m going to be getting an American pocket bully x Staffordshire bull terrier..what raw food diet would you suggest is best for my puppy.

ProDog

Hi Tia

We would advise our puppy range of raw meals from 8 to 24 weeks of age.
We have a puppy range which is a meal recipe designed to include the exact ratio of natural ingredients a pup needs to grow.

Food is the most important thing you can choose to ensure your puppy has the best start in life, and we here at ProDog Raw like to take the hard work as we have formulated recipes to make it simple for you with our Puppy bundles.
https://www.prodograw.com/shop/raw-dog-food/raw-bundles/raw-puppy-food-bundle/

Our raw puppy food range features complete meal options, all formulated with a fine mince consistency especially for small mouths and baby teeth. Delivering a specialised blend of high-quality nutrients to support the growth, development and vitality of a growing dog.

Our raw puppy food has quality protein for healthy muscle growth and development, and with the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus for bone and joint development. Our perfectly crafted puppy meals deliver a specialised blend of high-quality nutrients to support the growth, development and vitality of a growing dog. Each and every ingredient is precisely balanced to supply optimum levels of all the essential nutrients your working puppy needs, in an easily chewable and digestible form.

How much food to feed ?

See our puppy food calculator guide https://www.prodograw.com/raw-dog-food-calculator/
Our puppy food is advised to feed up to 24 weeks before progressing onto the adult food.

Monitor and weigh your puppy weekly, and adjust the food accordingly.
Some puppies will need the upper limits allowed, some will need the lower limits.

Guide on how many meals ?

Puppies up to 16 weeks spread the daily raw food allowance over 4 meals
From 17 to 24 weeks reduce to 3 meals a day
24 weeks plus, 2 meals a day
Adult dogs (12 months onwards) ideally feed 1-2 meals a day
Use careful observation as your puppy develops.
Puppies should be lean and not overweight to protect their joints.
Some puppies will need the upper raw puppy food limits allowed, whereas some will need the lower limits.
Remember this is a guide and a common-sense approach is needed by the owner at all times to ensure their dog does not gain too much weight – please call us for advice if necessary.

Or if you would like to try it first, or have limited freezer space, then our puppy trial sample pack would be advised.

https://www.prodograw.com/shop/sample-packs/sample-raw-dog-food-pack/

Just select puppy from the drop down menu.

S Adams

Would you please start selling raw knuckle bones, I use them as teeth cleaners, boredom busters……

ProDog

Hi there
Unfortunately, we do not stock raw bones at the minute, as the varying heavier weight of them makes them difficult and costly to transport. Our calves hooves and ostrich bones are great for teeth cleaning in our boredom buster treat range.

michellecrosby95

Hey all
Just wanted to thank you for questions Iv had concerning health and diet.
Your team is amazing and my French bulldog is thriving on your raw dog food?

ProDog

Thanks, Michelle that’s great to hear.

Caro

Hi
My dog has been on the 80:10:10 feeding for about two months now. I added carrot and broccoli or cabbage but he has lost the healthy covering of fat over his ribs. I’m wondering if this 80:10:10 diet is basically a Keto diet for dogs as the only carbohydrates are from the extra vegetables so pretty low. My next order is for complete meals so I will see how we get on with these.

Kind regards
Caro

ProDog

Hi Caro

Do you add any extra omega oil (fat) ? Also, do you add the extra veggies as raw, or slightly cooked ? if you can email in to [email protected] with what your dog weighs, age and how much you are feeding, we can advise accordingly.

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